How you can own a vacation home without the hassles that come with it

For many, the allure of a private getaway is strong, but concerns about maintenance and costs have made it seem out of reach in the past. If owning a vacation property has long been a dream of yours, now might be the time to make it a reality. The current economy fostered a buyer&rsquo;s market, in which vacation homes with incredible amenities and in exclusive communities are available for better values than ever before.

There are vacation homes available to fit the needs of every type of owner. Some options allow you to experience all the joys of owning a second home with the addition of services and conveniences that make ownership as easy as it is enjoyable.

One example, situated on the dramatic Pacific Coast on the Palos Verdes Peninsula south of Los Angeles, is the group of properties available at Terranea Resort. In addition to traditional resort offerings, Terranea has a number of casitas and villas available for ownership. The good news for owners is they get all the benefits of owning a vacation home on a prime piece of Palos Verdes real estate while also enjoying the resort&rsquo;s activities and conveniences. Landscaping and housekeeping are taken care of, so you can focus on appreciating your getaway &ndash; and you&rsquo;ll have even more to enjoy, thanks to Terranea&rsquo;s Free Reign program for new buyers.

The Free Reign program offers 30 special days of access per year &ndash; hand-picked by you &ndash; to exceptional resort perks, for five years. From dining (both in-home chef-cooked meals and restaurant visits) to indulgent Spa services to golf on the Trump(R) National Course, the opportunities go well beyond what&rsquo;s available in a standard housing community.

If you&rsquo;re considering taking advantage of the current market to buy a vacation property, here are a few things to consider.

* Distance from home. While some vacation home owners prefer a retreat far away from their full time home, many people are realizing the benefits of a property that&rsquo;s closer to home. If you focus on some of the beautiful areas nearby, it&rsquo;s easier to travel to your vacation getaway, and spend more time relaxing.

* Access to activities. The vacation home that gets you away but keeps you close to modern comforts makes short weekend trips more attractive. With access to the beautiful environment of the coast, Terranea gives you the best of nature while also offering exclusive resort amenities. Through the Free Reign program, owners can enjoy special privileges at the property&rsquo;s award-winning golf course, to include free private lessons with a PGA professional. Wellness activities offered beyond normal ownership through Free Reign include unlimited yoga, seaside cycling and Pilates classes, and personal training sessions.

* Support services. Some vacation properties, such as those at Terranea, bring owners other benefits like a concierge service. Whether you want someone to arrange transportation, make dinner reservations or set a daily schedule, you can leave the work in a professional&rsquo;s hands while your relax and enjoy your vacation. &nbsp;

To learn more about vacation home ownership opportunities or the Free Reign program, which ends soon, visit www.TerraneaFreeReign.com.